Aftermarket CD Player

I'm currently in the process of installing a shiny Pioneer DEH-4700MP CD deck into my 2000 Lesabre Custom. Troubles are ensuing and I've never felt more frustrated in my life.

Why does this car have a goofy looking ribbon connector for the factory setereo, and how would one find the pinouts for this stupid thing? I could solder up an adapter (using parts out of the old cassette deck) but I would need to know how to wire it first. I'm not so worried about the steering wheel controls yet (that's the next project, I just want music at the moment).

Any ideas aside from tearing the entire dashboard off (leaving myself without a car for a week) or attempting to identify each speaker pair with a multimeter?

I'm currently in the process of installing a shiny Pioneer DEH-4700MP CD deck into my 2000 Lesabre Custom. Troubles are ensuing and I've never felt more frustrated in my life.

Why does this car have a goofy looking ribbon connector for the factory setereo, and how would one find the pinouts for this stupid thing? I could solder up an adapter (using parts out of the old cassette deck) but I would need to know how to wire it first. I'm not so worried about the steering wheel controls yet (that's the next project, I just want music at the moment).

Any ideas aside from tearing the entire dashboard off (leaving myself without a car for a week) or attempting to identify each speaker pair with a multimeter?

Hello

Go get an install kit from a place that sells replacement units. I believe the kit should have an adaptor so it will be plug and play.

I still have the OEM in mine so I haven't gone through this process. However, I've put units in other vehicals and was able to get a kit.

Regards

Dan

You need a wire harness. Most stereo shops and several internet sites sell these. Check out www.tune-town.com. You probably also need an antenna adapter.

You can usually find a pin out in the back of the Haynes Repair Manual. In addition, the manual lists how much current each of the power wires will source and if they are hot at all times or only in ACC. However, it does not list the DC resistance or impedance vs frequency for the speakers.

Cheers

I used a wiring harness purely for the purpose of having ACC and constant 12V to my head unit. Since I am using an amplified system, I ran my own preamp cables to my amplifiers.

Using the wiring harness though does provide speaker outputs if you plan on using the head unit to power the speakers instead of an external amp. They cost a few bucks, I think I got one from Circuit City because I was in a hurry :( Probably easier than soldering your own (I made my preamp cables, I already soldered enough in my install :)), but that's up to you...